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Stanwood, Washington

http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=204171

I am having a problem where all of the newer growth on one of my plants has leaf stalks that are growing in sort of a twisted fashion. In some cases they are actually turning completely over so that the leaf is upside down. The leaves themselves look normal and healthy. Its almost as if the stalks aren't quite strong enough to support the weight of the leaf and they are twisting as they grow. Is this a disease, lack of nutrients, or possibly too much water. This area of my patch gets some over spray from my lawn sprinklers.

7/20/2013 11:48:56 PM

Zurich, Ontario Canada

Nitrogen to high!!!!!!!! not sure.

7/21/2013 10:08:18 AM

Connecticut

Is this plant in a shady location?

My experience is that some plants are more prone to this condition than others and it can be enhanced by high nitrogen and shady sites.

With the information provided I do not think you have anything to worry about, but I would not add any more nitrogen as this will not help the problem.

7/21/2013 10:40:00 PM

Stanwood, Washington

Yeah its shady. I haven't put any nitrogen on since May. There has been lots of new growth that was fine since then. This just started after the fruit set.

7/22/2013 1:39:43 AM

Connecticut

My guess is that this is due to a combination of factors. First off if the location is shady this will result in tall leaf stalks that are more prone to the condition you are experiencing. Nutrients can also increase these odds and just because no nitrogen as been added does not mean that more is not being made by your soil biology. Is you organic matter over 7%? Odds are your active organic fraction is very active and as a result nitrogen is being added to the soil by the microbes resulting in the plant uptake even though you have not been adding any.

My suggestion is to get a lot of bamboo stakes or just make sure the leaves are right side up so they can continue to supply at least some energy to the plant/pumpkin.

Sorry there is not an easy cure, but your season is not over, so do not give-up on this plant.

7/22/2013 10:48:56 PM

Buffalo, New York

I am experiencing something like this this season. Mine don't twist but do lean over because the young leaves are still too big for the young/short stalks.

I would guess too much nitrogen also.

7/24/2013 7:49:22 PM

Mount Vernon, Washington

My vines are doing the same. Could be the PNW unseasonable summer .My patch is shaded in the late afternoon, evening. I won't comment on the nitrogen because I hv no idea what I'm doing. When the vines become too twisted I just chop and bury. So my plants are all catty wampus. It looks like a very sad Christmas tree.

7/27/2013 6:11:11 PM

Mount Vernon, Washington

Is the vine rooting? On some of mine they are and it is pulling up the established roots as it turns.

7/28/2013 3:30:10 AM